Middlesex pace bowler Alan Richardson is to leave Lord's at the end of the season having signed a two-year contract with Worcestershire.

Richardson, who joined Middlesex from Warwickshire from 2005, has expressed a desire both to continue playing and move closer to his home in the Midlands.

Angus Fraser, Managing Director of Cricket at Middlesex, said: “Middlesex CCC offered Alan a coaching/player role within the club but it is Alan’s desire to continue playing. The prospect of continuing as a full-time player and living closer to home proved too good a combination for him to turn down.

“Middlesex CCC would like to thank Alan for his excellent contribution both on and off the field during his time at the club. It has been a pleasure to work with Alan this summer – he is and will continue to be a model professional. Alan is one of the good guys in cricket and is an extremely popular and highly respected member of our staff. We wish him every success for the future. Alan will always be welcome at Middlesex CCC.”

Richardson added: “I have really enjoyed my time at Middlesex but I feel the time is right to move closer to home and playing at Worcestershire gives me the opportunity of doing this. I’d like to thank everyone at Middlesex for the support and help they have given me during the past five years.”

Richardson's record at Middlesex has been excellent, with 142 first-class wickets at an average of 27.02. He follows Billy Godleman out of the club following the opener's decision to switch to Essex although there was better news for the club when young fast bowler Steven Finn was yesterday awarded his county cap.